Gregor Hebermehl Prices Fiat 124 Spider
02.03.2016
S since Fiat took the Barchetta out of its range in 2005, Fiat showed up in the real convertibles. Ok, critics could now throw in the 500C as a convertible. So it might be. In 2015, however, the Italians return with a genuine, completely open two-seater. Ok, support comes from Mazda, because the new Fiat 124 Spider shares the platform with the MX-5 and the production facility in Hiroshima in Japan.
The Japanese genes are then everywhere. In the interior, the Fiat presents itself as a better equipped Mazda, but the hardware remains unchanged. Externally, the Fiat 124 Spider stands out with a new front with a hexagonal radiator grille and honeycomb grille, new headlights, flanked by LED daytime running lights and a new hood with two power domes. At the rear, a trunk lid with a rump and wide LED taillights - inspired by the original 124 - have been adapted.
124 Spider with Fiat engine
The Fiat 124 Spider also has its base as a lightweight with a manual fabric top. When it comes to engines, however, the Italians swear by their own production. A turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 160 hp and 250 Nm is used here for the US market, which can be combined with a manual six-speed gearbox or a six-speed automatic. US customers already know this drive train from the Fiat 500 Abarth. European customers are fed with a 1.4-liter turbo with only 140 hp and 240 Nm torque, which transmits its power to the rear wheels via a manual six-speed gearbox. The crowning glory of the series will be a potent Abarth variant in the second half of 2016.
Fiat 124 Spider will cost from 23,990 euros
The Spider will hit the market in summer 2016, just in time for the 50th Anniversary of the Fiat 124 Spider. For the US market, a special series 'Prima Edizione Lusso' limited to 124 units is planned for the market launch, which combines blue exterior paint with a brown leather interior. The Spider is available in Europe in the equipment versions Spider and Lusso, and 8 exterior colors are also available. A limited special model is also available for the market launch with the Anniversary. The edition equipment includes black leather seats, a special red paint and numbered serial badges.
The new Fiat 124 Spider is available at prices starting at 23,990 euros. If you want to order your Fiat 124 Spider almost fully equipped, you have to go for theLusso version will cost at least 26,490 euros. The Abarth 124 Spider with 170 hp presented in Geneva costs from 40,000 euros. At Mazda, the MX-5 is offered at prices between 22,990 euros and 27,490 euros
Seat sample Fiat 124 Spider
As he stands in front of us with an open cloth cap, the interior naturally reminds us of that MX-5, on which the new Fiat 124 Spider is based. After all, not too much has changed in the interior: the gear knob is different, the piano lacquer cover under the multimedia screen is drawn much further out than the Japanese and of course the Fiat emblem is emblazoned in the center of the steering wheel. We crawl under the exterior mirrors and look in every corner: Fiat has eradicated all Mazda logos. The windows also bear the Fiat logo.
The seats have their own stylish leather, but are just as narrow as on the MX-5. The functional interior provides a clear overview, but there is just as little space for tall people in the 124 Spider as in the MX-5. But experience has shown that even the big ones are not frightened by the tightness, after all, the MX-5 is a top fun device. The Fiat relies on turbo instead of naturally aspirated engine technology - it's a shame we can't drive it yet. In terms of weight, the Japanese and Italians hardly differ in weight, but the Fiat is a little longer than the Mazda thanks to the rear sill arched further back, which makes the Fiat appear flatter.
